Product Planning Manager Jobs

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We love our cars, but it’s the people behind them who make them what they are. To market, sell, and service great cars, we need great people. That’s why at Volkswagen Group Canada, we are passionate about our cars and our brand and foster this same passion and drive in our people. We know that the right people in the right positions can do incredible things, and we love making that happen.

We are currently looking for a Product Planning Manager at our Corporate Offices in Ajax, Ontario

The Product Planning Manager will be tasked both with the management of product portfolios for select series models, as well as development of long-term cross-carline portfolio and pricing strategy for the Volkswagen Brand in the Canadian market. You will also be tasked with full strategic oversight of an assigned vehicle portfolio, covering all stages of the vehicle's lifecycle.

Reporting to the Director, Product Planning, you will develop market-relevant packaging and pricing proposals to achieve the brand's sales and profitability objectives in Canada. You will work with key stakeholders across the globe to advocate for the needs of the Canadian market; secure support for new models, features, and initiatives that will better serve the needs of Canadian VW customers. In addition, you will secure approval from stakeholders in Canada and abroad for proposed strategies, ensure alignment to global strategic objectives, and serve as primary subject matter expert within the organization for assigned vehicle line(s).

• This is a flex hybrid model, requiring 2 days in the Ajax office**

Primary Responsibilities

• Support Departmental and Organizational endeavours
• Lead Product Planning & Pricing process for assigned model line(s)
• Support development of Order Guide(s) and Dealer Information Package(s) for assigned model line(s)
• Develop offer structure (packaging & pricing strategy) for assigned model line(s) to achieve VWC sales and profitability objectives, taking into account customer needs and various market forces
• Ensure products adhere to predetermined pricing strategy relative to competitors, balancing against sales & profitability targets
• Provide support for new hires
• Inform internal stakeholders of project premise changes (SOP, offer structure, features, etc.)
• Support all launch readiness steps, including set up of production systems (MBV, Spider, etc.)
• Lead integration of Product/Marketing in product development and communication strategy
• Manage deliverables based on new model Start of Production (SOP) timing, adjusting when required
• Support management of departmental budgets where required
• Develop proposals for future model actions supported by market research and sound financial analysis
• Support internal stakeholders (Sales, Marketing, Training, Network Planning, etc.) in review of product-related materials to ensure accuracy and strategic alignment
• Represent Canadian market and its needs in meetings with VW Group stakeholders (region, factories, headquarters, etc.)
• Coordinate internal approval of proposals with Sales, Controlling (Finance), and executive leadership
• Recommend market-driven mixes for the assigned models including trim structure, optional packages, powertrain, transmission, and colour offerings; balance market needs against overall complexity to maximize sales efficiency

Primary Location

Canada-Ontario-Ajax

What We’re Asking For

• Excellent communication and presentation skills; Fluency in German and/or French an asset
• Strong proficiency with all MS Office programs
• Experience in dealing with customers and suppliers who are geographically and culturally different
• Flexible for travel occasionally (up to 20%) within North America and overseas
• Forward thinking with strong work ethic and internal motivation to succeed
• Demonstrated understanding of the automotive industry and integrating consumer insights into product strategies
• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Business, or Technical discipline, and/or equivalent relevant work experience
• 3+ years of experience in developing and formulating product and pricing strategies, configuration and marketing direction as well as exposure to product planning, project management and/or automotive industry in a product related capacity or technical discipline
• Excellent organization, time management, negotiation and planning skills to manage multiple projects and tasks

What You’ll Get In Return

• And much more
• Opportunities to participate in exciting company events that give back to the community
• Opportunities for development
• Competitive employer paid benefits and overall compensation package
• A flexible and collaborative team dynamic

Interested applicants are asked to submit their application by July 28, 2023

• Please note that we appreciate the interest of all candidates, however only those under consideration will be contacted.

Additional information: Volkswagen Group Canada is committed to providing accommodations for people with disabilities during all phases of the hiring process including the application process. If you require an accommodation because of a disability, we will work with you to meet your needs. Applicants need to make their needs known in advance. If you are selected for an interview and require an accommodation, you are encouraged to advise the Recruiter who will consult with you to determine an appropriate accommodation.